CHAPTER 98
BENJAMIN AND GREG were facing Adam Stillton's mansion and it was impossible to enter by stealth.
— We're going to have to give a license.
Ben nodded. Like it or not, I knew that being a member of MI6 was an advantage few people had.
They stopped the car in front of the entrance and Ben introduced himself:
— Benjamin Morant, MI6 Special Agent, we are here to speak with Mr. Stillton.
— There's nothing on Mr. Stillton's agenda about your visit.
— It's an emergency situation.
— Of course it is, I'll see if they'll let you in and talk to Mr. Stillton.
Benjamin was going to question, but the line had already gone dead.
— And now, what shall we do?
Then the gate opened automatically.
— I think he got that authorization.
— I think so.
— So let's go.
SPENCER HOUSE is a historic mansion located at 27 St. James's Place , in the St. James , in London , England. The house is classified in Grade I on the National Heritage List of England .
The house was commissioned in 1756, by John Spencer , who later became the first Earl Spencer , as he required a large house in London, to increase his position and status. The architect he chose was John Vardy , who studied with William Kent , Vardy is in charge of the mansion's facades.
In 1758, James "Athenian" Stuart , who had studied the Arcadian values of ancient Greek architecture , replaced Vardy, as the project's architect, Spencer House came to have authentic Greek details in the interior decoration, and thus became one of the first examples in London, of the neoclassical style , which was supposed to sweep the country.
As the home of successive Earls and Countesses Spencer, the cabins of the house became a theater, for the pageant that was London 's high society. Members of the Spencer family occupied the mansion continuously until 1895, when the house was rented. The Spencers briefly returned during the first quarter of the 20th century, after which the house was rented out several times as a clubhouse or offices. During the Blitz of World War II it was stripped of its few remaining authentic treasures, specially made furniture and fireplaces.
Spencer House remains the property of the Earls Spencer, the current owner being Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer , brother of Diana, Princess of Wales . However, since World War II, the house has been continuously rented. In 1948 it was leased to Christie's auctioneers , in 1956 to the British Oxygen Company , and in 1963 to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
In 1986, RIT Capital Partners , the family company of Jacob Rothschild , 4th Baron Rothschild , secured a 96-year lease, with an additional 24-year option. In a highly acclaimed restoration, the state rooms and garden have been returned to their original appearance. The Spencer House lease was valued at £35 million in RIT Capital Partners ' 2017 annual report.
Along with Lancaster House , Bridgewater House , Dudley House and Apsley House , Spencer House is one of the last of the many aristocratic houses that once adorned Central London and is the current home of Adam Stillton.
ADAM STILLTON was in his library when Ben Morant and Greg walked in.
— Who are you? — The old man asked harshly.
Greg and Benjamin showed off their functionals.
— I'm from MI6, Agent Benjamin Morant and this is my friend, Gregory Evans from the CIA, we need to have a word with you, it won't be long.
— I want the hell who they are and the hole they came from, get out of here immediately.
Ben was going to speak, but the old man had a coughing fit.
— Do you happen to know where Selene and Paul Leaks are?
The old man's face grew even more sullen at the question.
— They're forbidden to say those damned names here in this house.
— We need to find them before more people die, Mr. Stillton.
The man, who was in a state-of-the-art electric wheelchair, activated the device which began to move towards them.
— If I could I would kill these two motherfuckers myself, they used my boat and my foundation's name to burn down Tower Bridge, today Selene authorized Prime Minister Noah Hughes to use a private plane of mine, to transport this damn thing and the fucking plane explodes.
That was new information for them.
— What do you mean the plane exploded?
— Apparently your agency works efficiently, as long as it's late, right?
Adam Stillton had another coughing fit.
— Are you all right?
He motioned with his hand to stop them from getting close.
— It might be better if they weren't bothering me.
Then came another coughing fit... The old man was choking... then collapsed in front of them.
— We have to call an ambulance.
Benjamin checked the carotid and shook his head, then Adam Stillton's butler appeared and said:
— Who are you and what did you do to Mr. Stillton?